Imphal, Dec. 22 :     The state achieved yet another milestone in its crusade against AIDS with a novel workshop, ?Christmas without AIDS??, at Churachandpur. The workshop, part of a multi-pronged AIDS awareness campaign, distributed 700 condoms free of cost to women. The three-day workshop sponsored by the Manipur State AIDS Control Society commenced yesterday. Organised by the Tribal Women?s Welfare Trust, Churachandpur, it was aimed at combating HIV and AIDS in the district and bring about consciousness among the youth to abstain from promiscuity during Christmas. Every year, scores of young boys, girls and couples have unprotected sex during the festival. The uninhibited nature of celebration is fraught with health hazards, in view of the high incidence of drug-induced HIV infection in the state. It has also become a major source of concern for the older generation. Perturbed by the rising number of HIV cases, the women?s trust mooted the workshop scheme to prevent the spread of the virus. The Churachandpur-based Shalom hospital, took an active part in the workshop and its director dwelt at lengths on the subject ?? AIDS in the community and psycho-social issues ?- during the workshop. Many other experts also took part. Majority of the participants in the workshop were women under the 16-30 age group. The participants are expected to use the condoms during Christmas for safe sex. Churachandpur figures next to Imphal on the list of HIV-affected districts in the state. The town is inhabited by a number of ethnic groups. Prominent among them are the Kukis, Paites, Hmars, Mizos and Zous. Most of these tribals are Christians. During Christmas, the tribal youth indulge in hectic merry-making and sex is a natural corollary to the festivities. Sources said ?Christmas without AIDS? was a bold step on part of state AIDS control society as it had touched a religious nerve. But going by the response, the workshop was expected to be result oriented, they added.